Vin Diesel faces sexual assault lawsuit from ex-assistant; Fast and Furious star’s team REACTS

Vin Diesel has been hit with a lawsuit by his former assistant Asta Jonasson alleging sexual assault, igniting a storm of concern and speculation surrounding the Hollywood star.

As per a report by BBC, Jonasson, who worked with Diesel for a brief period in 2010, claims in the lawsuit filed on Thursday that the actor sexually assaulted her in a hotel suite while working on the set of Fast Five. As per her account, Diesel forcibly pushed her onto a bed and groped her despite her repeated pleas and attempts to escape. The lawsuit further alleges that Jonasson was fired from her position at Diesel's company, One Race Films, just hours after the incident, leading her to believe her resistance to his advances led to her termination.

However, the lawsuit goes beyond the specific event, detailing accusations of gender discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, and negligent supervision against Diesel and One Race Films. Jonasson also alleges a pattern of inappropriate behaviour within the company, claiming to have witnessed similar misconduct towards another individual.

"Asta seeks to hold Vin Diesel and those who allowed and covered up his sexual assault accountable for their egregious actions," Jonasson's lawyer stated in a public statement. "We hope her courageous decision to come forward helps create lasting change and empowers other survivors."

In response, Diesel's legal team categorically denied the allegations. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, released a statement calling the claims "outlandish" and wrote that Diesel had never heard of these accusations before the lawsuit was filed. Freedman further highlighted that Jonasson was only employed for nine days at the time of the alleged incident, casting doubt on the validity of her claims.

Also Read: Vin Diesel reminisces India visit in throwback picture with Deepika Padukone, see photo